American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence (1997) by Pauline Maier is a revisionist history that explores how the Declaration of Independence was created, revised, and transformed from a political document into a revered national symbol. Maier examines the complex debates behind independence, lesser-known local declarations, Jefferson’s collaboration with others, and the evolving public perception of the Declaration—from a revolutionary tool to a quasi-sacred artifact. By demystifying its origins and legacy, she encourages readers to see the Declaration not as a static relic, but as a living document whose meaning must be continually reinterpreted and applied.
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